"I am paid to uphold the law and it's my job to set the example whether I'm working or not," the sergeant said. "I am happy to hear the rightful owner was identified and that the money has been returned."

Avery Browne, chief of the California Highway Patrol's Golden Gate Division, told reporters it was great to talk about officers doing something positive even though the sergeant was not on duty, according to KTVU-TV.

"On too many occasions our personnel do not pause to be recognized as they feel they were simply doing their job," Browne said.